We have tested anesthetizing patients for radium insertion in several different ways,(caudal block, balanced anesthesia and saddle block anesthesia), and have come to the conclusion that the saddle block is the best anesthesia for radium insertion in this hospital.
We have recorded 229 successful cases using radium insertion under true saddle block.
When the patient comes to the operating area, a saddle block is started with minimum preparation, even eliminating intravenous fluid injections. After the saddle block, it usually takes only 10 to 20 minutes to complete the O.R. procedure. The patient is then moved to X-ray to get a pelvis A-P. and lateral to confirm the proper positioning of the radium applicator. The patient´s cooperation is also easily obtained because of saddle block anesthesia.
We have observed the following advantages using saddle block for radium insertion.
1. The technique is simple and there is no recorded failure rate.
2. Easy cooperation can be obtained from the patient during X-ray procedures.
3. Absolutely no change of blood pressure is registered in saddle block. Therefor, intravenous fluids or the use of vasopresors are not necessary.
4. The complications from saddle block anesthesia are negligable.No headache or back pain was observed in this series.
With these benefits, the saddle block is considered to be the best technique for anesthesia in radium insertion in this hospital.
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